Primary Care Sports Medicine (State College)

Penn State Sports Medicine also provides medical care for the State College Spikes, an MLB Draft League team, located adjacent to the Penn State campus. Fellows have the opportunity to develop research and quality improvement projects, participate in the planning and medical coverage of the Special Olympics of Pennsylvania Summer Games and provide medical support during the Marine Corps Marathon.

Fellows work closely in conjunction with Penn State Health's Department of Family and Community Medicine to maintain and build upon knowledge and skill base through a weekly continuity clinic. Fellows further their teaching skills by lecturing and precepting medical students and family medicine residents. In addition, fellows will gain experience with diagnostic and interventional musculoskeletal ultrasound and are able to focus on areas of special interest through elective rotations.

Although education is the primary goal of the fellowship program, excellence and compassion in the care of each individual patient are equally important objectives. Scientific knowledge, combined with the ability to listen to patients and colleagues and communicate with them effectively, enables fellows to maximize their experience. Program faculty and staff offer support and guidance as fellows work to develop their highest potential and render the best of care to patients.

Applications are accepted between July and September of each year through the ERAS online system. To qualify, applicants must have successfully completed a residency in Family Medicine or Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation from an approved ACGME-accredited program prior to the start of the fellowship.

Applications must include:

• Three letters of recommendation (one letter should be from the residency program director)

• Signed AMSSM Code of Ethics Statement

• A complete list of all sports medicine-related rotations completed

• Medical school diploma

• USMLE or COMLEX scores

• ECFMG certificate (if applicable)

• Medical school dean's letter

• Medical school transcript

Life in State College, Pa. ("Happy Valley")

State College, Pa., offers world-class residencies and fellowships in a university town setting.

Trainees can enhance both their careers and their quality of life in State College, home of Penn State University, the University Park Curriculum of Penn State College of Medicine, and Mount Nittany Health. The Centre County region is a unique area where cosmopolitan cultural influences blend with an affordable cost of living and relaxed country pace — all against a backdrop of lush, rural landscapes. It’s a place where both careers and families thrive.

Maybe that is what attracts a diverse spectrum of people from around the world: medical experts and college professors, artists and grade-school teachers, business executives and students.

No matter whether they are seeking collaboration with accomplished colleagues, inspiration from world-class entertainment, the charm and security of historic neighborhoods or the thrill of Big Ten sports events, residents find all that and more in State College.

Each trainee is at the center of an internationally recognized university town, working in a collegial atmosphere where patient care, careers and quality of life are all advancing. The region offers something for everyone, from the energetic, youthful vibe of downtown State College to the historic architecture and relaxed pace of nearby Bellefonte.

The moderate cost of living and affordable home prices create several housing choices, from a new home in a new neighborhood to a historic Victorian home or an easy-care condominium. Excellent public schools and a low crime rate make the area great for raising a family.

Centre County Statistics

• Population: 160,580

• Median household income: $50,295

• Median home value: $193,500

• Median rent: $872

• Average commute to work: 20 minutes

Source: United States Census Bureau (2010–2015)

Learn more about the community

• Happy Valley Adventure Bureau

• Centre County official website

• Centre Daily Times newspaper

Program Benefits

The annual Resident/Fellow Research Day is held each year (with exception of during the COVID-19 pandemic) on and around the Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center campus.

The intent of the event is to provide an opportunity for residents and fellows to showcase their research accomplishments to their peers in other clinical departments, as well as their colleagues in the basic sciences.

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Previous presentations from the Primary Care Sports Medicine Fellowship (State College, Pa.) are listed here.